Surgical devices with moisture control

ABSTRACT

A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a wick is disclosed. The wick is disposed within an outer sleeve of the elongated portion and is made from a fibrous material. The wick is configured to transfer moisture from a first portion of the wick to a second portion of the wick.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/834,759, filed on Apr. 16,2019, the entire content of which is being incorporated herein byreference.

The present application is also a Continuation-in-Part Applicationclaiming the benefit of and priority to International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US2019/045049, filed Aug. 5, 2019, which claims the benefit ofand priority to each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/718,065, filed on Aug. 13, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/718,079, filed on Aug. 13, 2018, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/718,089, filed on Aug. 13, 2018, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/718,102, filed on Aug. 13,2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/718,450, filedon Aug. 14, 2018, the entire content of each of which being incorporatedherein by reference.

International Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/045049, filed Aug. 5,2019, is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of andpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/991,157, filed on Jan.8, 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/145,759, filed on Apr. 10, 2015, the entirecontent of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical devices. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to surgical devices withmoisture control to facilitate thoroughly cleaning and drying thesurgical devices.

Background of Related Art

Surgical instruments including powered devices for use in surgicalprocedures are known. To permit reuse of the handle assemblies of thesesurgical instruments and so that the handle assembly may be used with avariety of end effectors, adapter assemblies and extension assemblieshave been developed for selective attachment to the handle assembliesand to a variety of end effectors. Additionally, following use, theadapter, end effector and/or extension assemblies may be thoroughlycleaned and/or sterilized for reuse.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including an outersleeve and a valve. The outer sleeve includes an inner wall, a port anda housing within the port. The port extends through the inner wall ofthe outer sleeve. The valve is disposed at least partially within theouter sleeve, and includes an engagement portion configured toselectively engage the port of the outer sleeve. The engagement portionof the valve is movable relative to the outer sleeve from an occludingposition where the engagement portion forms a fluid-tight seal with theport, to an open position where at least a portion of the engagementportion is spaced from the port.

In disclosed embodiments, the valve is biased into the occludingposition.

It is also disclosed that the valve includes a biasing elementconfigured to urge the engagement portion of the valve radially outwardand into the occluding position. In embodiments, the biasing element isa compression spring. It is further disclosed that the valve includes abody portion, and the biasing element is disposed about the body portionof the valve. It is additionally disclosed that the biasing element isdisposed between the engagement portion of the valve and a wall of thehousing of the outer sleeve.

Further, it is disclosed that the surgical device includes a secondvalve configured to selectively engage a second port of the outersleeve.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of cleaning a surgicaldevice. The method includes moving an engagement portion of a valveradially inward relative to a port of an outer sleeve of the surgicaldevice from an occluding position where the engagement portion forms afluid-tight seal with the port, to an open position where at least aportion of the engagement portion is spaced from the port, insertingfluid through the port in the outer tube of the surgical device, movingthe fluid out of the surgical device, and maintaining the engagementportion of the valve in the open position after a majority of the fluidhas moved out of the surgical device.

In disclosed embodiments, the method includes biasing the engagementportion of the valve into the occluding position.

Additionally, embodiments of the method include moving an engagementportion of a second valve radially inward relative to a second port ofthe outer sleeve of the surgical device from an occluding position wherethe engagement portion of the second valve forms a fluid-tight seal withthe second port, to an open position where at least a portion of theengagement portion of the second valve is spaced from the second port.In embodiments, the method includes maintaining the engagement portionof the second valve in the open position while inserting fluid throughthe port in the outer tube of the surgical device.

The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including a handlehousing, an elongated portion and a valve. The handle housing includesan outer wall and a port. The port extends through the outer wall. Theelongated portion extends distally from the handle housing. The valve isdisposed at least partially within the handle housing, and includes anengagement portion configured to selectively engage the port of thehandle housing. The engagement portion of the valve is movable relativeto the outer wall from an occluding position where the engagementportion forms a fluid-tight seal with the port, to an open positionwhere at least a portion of the engagement portion is spaced from theport.

In disclosed embodiments, the valve is biased into the occludingposition.

It is also disclosed that the valve includes a biasing elementconfigured to urge the engagement portion of the valve radially outwardand into the occluding position. In embodiments, the biasing element isa compression spring. It is further disclosed that the valve includes abody portion, and the biasing element is disposed about the body portionof the valve.

Further, it is disclosed that the surgical device includes a secondvalve configured to selectively engage a second port of the elongatedportion.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of cleaning a surgicaldevice. The method includes moving an engagement portion of a valveradially inward relative to a port of a handle housing of the surgicaldevice from an occluding position where the engagement portion forms afluid-tight seal with the port, to an open position where at least aportion of the engagement portion is spaced from the port, insertingfluid into the surgical device, moving the fluid out of the surgicaldevice, and maintaining the engagement portion of the valve in the openposition after a majority of the fluid has moved out of the surgicaldevice.

In disclosed embodiments, the method includes biasing the engagementportion of the valve into the occluding position.

Additionally, embodiments of the method include moving an engagementportion of a second valve radially inward relative to a second port ofthe surgical device from an occluding position where the engagementportion of the second valve forms a fluid-tight seal with the secondport, to an open position where at least a portion of the engagementportion of the second valve is spaced from the second port.

The present disclosure relates to a surgical kit including a surgicaldevice and an actuator. The surgical device includes a handle assembly,an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly, aport, and a valve. The valve includes an engagement portion configuredto selectively engage the port. The engagement portion of the valve ismovable from an occluding position where the engagement portion forms afluid-tight seal with the port, to an open position where at least aportion of the engagement portion is spaced from the port. The actuatorincludes a sleeve body and a finger. The sleeve body is configured toslidingly engage the elongated portion of the surgical device. Thefinger is configured to selectively engage the engagement portion of thevalve to move the valve from the occluding position to the openposition.

In disclosed embodiments, the finger of the actuator includes a plussign-like or cruciform transverse cross-sectional profile, and theengagement portion of the valve of the surgical device includes acircular transverse cross-sectional profile.

It is also disclosed that the sleeve is ring-shaped, and that the fingerextends radially inward from the sleeve body. In embodiments, theactuator includes a second finger extending radially inward from thesleeve body.

It is further disclosed that the surgical device includes a second portand a second valve. The second valve includes a second engagementportion configured to selectively engage the second port. The secondengagement portion of the second valve is movable from an occludingposition where the second engagement portion forms a fluid-tight sealwith the second port, to an open position where at least a portion ofthe second engagement portion is spaced from the second port. The fingeris configured to selectively engage the engagement portion of the valveto move the valve from the occluding position to the open position atthe same time as the second finger engages the second engagement portionof the second valve to move the second valve from the occluding positionto the open position.

The present disclosure also relates to a surgical kit including asurgical device and an actuator. The surgical device includes a handlehousing, an elongated portion extending distally from the handlehousing, a port, and a valve. The valve includes an engagement portionconfigured to selectively engage the port. The engagement portion of thevalve is movable from an occluding position where the engagement portionforms a fluid-tight seal with the port, to an open position where atleast a portion of the engagement portion is spaced from the port. Theactuator includes a rack and a post extending from the rack. At least aportion of the surgical device is positionable on the actuator. The postis configured to selectively engage the engagement portion of the valveto move the valve from the occluding position to the open position.

In disclosed embodiments, the valve is disposed at least partiallywithin handle housing of the surgical device.

It is also disclosed that the surgical device includes a second port anda second valve. The second valve includes a second engagement portionconfigured to selectively engage the second port. The second engagementportion of the second valve is movable from an occluding position wherethe second engagement portion forms a fluid-tight seal with the secondport, to an open position where at least a portion of the secondengagement portion is spaced from the second port.

In embodiments, the valve is disposed at least partially within thehandle housing of the surgical device, and the second valve is disposedat least partially within the elongated portion of the surgical device.

It is further disclosed that the actuator includes a second postextending from the rack. The post is configured to selectively engagethe engagement portion of the valve to move the valve from the occludingposition to the open position at the same time as the second postengages the second engagement portion of the second valve to move thesecond valve from the occluding position to the open position.

The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including an outersleeve, a port extending through the outer sleeve, and a valve disposedat least partially within the outer sleeve. The valve includes a ventthat is slidably disposed with respect to the port between an openposition and an occluding position, and a thermostat configured to urgethe vent to its open position in response to the thermostat beingexposed to a predetermined temperature.

In disclosed embodiments, the valve includes a biasing elementconfigured to urge the vent towards its occluding position. It is alsodisclosed that a portion of the thermostat contacts a portion of thevent.

In embodiments, the vent is configured to move to its occluding positionin response to the thermostat being exposed to a temperature that isbelow the predetermined temperature. It is further disclosed that thepredetermined temperature is about 130° C.

The present disclosure also relates to a surgical device including anouter sleeve, a port extending through the outer sleeve, and a valve.The valve is disposed at least partially within the outer sleeve, and ismade from a bimetal material. A portion of the valve is configured tomove relative to the port between an open position and an occludingposition in response to the valve being exposed to a predeterminedtemperature.

It is also disclosed that the valve includes a first leg, a second leg,a third leg, and an occluding portion. The second leg extends adjacent afirst end of the first leg, and the third leg extends adjacent a secondend of the second leg. It is further disclosed that the first leg movestoward the second leg in response to the valve being exposed to thepredetermined temperature.

In embodiments, the portion of the valve is configured to remain in itsoccluding position in response to the valve being exposed to atemperature that is below the predetermined temperature. It is disclosedthat the predetermined temperature is about 130° C.

In disclosed embodiments, the surgical device includes a shaft, and thatrotation of the shaft relative to the outer sleeve causes the valve tomove to its occluding position.

The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including a handleassembly, and elongated portion, an end effector, a drive shaft, and awick. The elongated portion is configured to extend distally from thehandle assembly and includes an outer sleeve. The end effector isconfigured to operatively engage a distal portion of the elongatedportion. The drive shaft extends at least partially through theelongated portion and is configured to mechanically engage the handleassembly and the end effector. The wick is disposed within the outersleeve and is made from a fibrous material. The wick is configured totransfer moisture from a first portion of the wick to a second portionof the wick.

In disclosed embodiments, the wick is in the shape of a cylindricalsleeve.

It is disclosed that an entirety of the wick is disposed within theouter sleeve.

It is further disclosed that first portion of the wick is cylindrical,and a second portion of the wick surrounds a longitudinal passage whichsurrounds the drive shaft.

In embodiments, the wick is configured to transfer moisture from aproximal portion of the wick to a distal portion of the wick. The distalportion of the wick is in fluid communication with ambient air outsideof the elongated portion.

In disclosed embodiments, the wick is a fibrous sheet of material.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of cleaning a surgicaldevice. The method includes inserting fluid into the surgical device,absorbing the fluid with a first portion of a fibrous wick disposedwithin the surgical device, transferring the fluid from the firstportion of the fibrous wick to a second portion of the fibrous wick, anddesorbing the fluid from the fibrous wick into ambient air.

In disclosed embodiments, transferring the fluid from the first portionof the fibrous wick to the second portion of the fibrous wick includesmoving the fluid distally.

In an embodiment, the wick may be impregnated with a dessicatingcompound.

The dessicating compound may include at least one of activated alumina,aerogel, benzophenone, bentonite clay, calcium chloride, calcium oxide,calcium sulfate, cobalt(II) chloride, copper(II) sulfate, lithiumchloride, lithium bromide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate,molecular sieve, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel,sodium, sodium chlorate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodiumsulfate, sucrose or sulfuric acid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective separated view of an adapter assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extensionassembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,and an exemplary handheld electromechanical surgical device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the exemplary handheldelectromechanical surgical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 3 withthe outer sleeve removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 3 and4 with proximal and distal housings of first and second pusherassemblies removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS.2-4 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS.2-5 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of a coupling assembly and atransfer assembly of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 2-7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 2-7with the housing assemblies removed;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a perspective end view of the transfer assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of the extension assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of an inner flexible band assembly ofthe extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of an outer flexible band assembly ofthe extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective side view of the inner and outer flexible bandassemblies of FIGS. 18 and 19 and an exploded view of a frame assemblyof the extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of the inner and outer flexible bandassemblies and the frame assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front, perspective view of the inner and outer flexibleband assemblies and the frame assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective side view of a distal end of theinner and outer flexible band assemblies and the frame assembly of FIG.20 including a proximal seal member and first and second distal sealmembers;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the proximal seal member andfirst and second distal seal members of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a trocar assembly of the extensionassembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of the trocar assembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 31-31 of FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 33 is an enlarge cross-sectional view of the distal end of theextension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 34 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 3connected to the extension assembly of FIG. 17 and an end effector andan anvil assembly connected to the extension assembly;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the indicated areaof detail of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a rear, perspective view of an adapter assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 36with an outer sleeve and a handle member removed;

FIG. 38 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 37with a base and a housing member removed;

FIG. 39 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 38with a support structure removed;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 40-40 of FIG.36;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 41-41 of FIG.40;

FIG. 42 is a rear, perspective view of an adapter assembly according toyet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 43-43 of FIG.42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 44-44 of FIG.42;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly ofFIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 45 witha sleeve and first section of a tubular extension removed;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 45 withthe sleeve removed;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 49-49 of FIG.45;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a distal end ofthe adapter assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 51 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of the distalend of the adapter assembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of theadapter assembly taken along line 52-52 of FIG. 50;

FIGS. 53 and 54 are perspective views of a distal portion of the adapterassembly of FIG. 50, with some parts removed;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly of the adapterassembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a seal assembly for use with the frameassembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 57 is an assembly view of the seal assembly of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the seal assembly of FIGS. 56 and 57shown within the frame assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the seal assembly of FIGS. 56 and 57shown within the frame assembly of FIG. 20 and with portions of theframe assembly omitted;

FIG. 60 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 60-60 ofFIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 61-61 ofFIG. 58;

FIG. 62 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical deviceincluding a valve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 64 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the surgical devicetaken along line 64 of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is an assembly view of the valve of FIGS. 63 and 64;

FIG. 66 is a perspective side view of a handle housing of a surgicaldevice including a vent in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a surgical device including a valve,and an actuator engaged with a portion of the surgical device;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical device andactuator of FIG. 67, with the actuator separated from the surgicaldevice;

FIG. 68A is a cut-away view of the actuator taken along line 68A-68A ofFIG. 68;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical device ofFIG. 67 with the actuator engaged therewith;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIG. 67 engagedwith a second actuator; and

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a surgical device including a valve inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical device ofFIG. 71 illustrating the valve and showing internal components;

FIG. 73 is a cut-away view of the portion of the surgical device andvalve of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a vent of the valve of FIGS. 71-73;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a thermostat of the valve of FIGS.71-73;

FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view of the thermostat of FIG. 75 takenalong line 76-76 of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical device withportions removed and showing a valve in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of the valve of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is a cut-away view taken along line 79-79 of FIG. 77,illustrating the valve in an open position;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a surgical device including a wick inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical device ofFIG. 80 illustrating the wick and showing internal components;

FIG. 82 is a cut-away view taken along line 82-82 of FIG. 80;

FIGS. 83 and 84 are cut-away views of different embodiments of the wickof the surgical device of FIGS. 80-82; and

FIG. 85 is a schematic illustration of a robotic surgical systemconfigured for use in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed seal assemblies for surgicalinstruments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, inwhich like reference numerals designate identical or correspondingelements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal”refers to that portion of the seal assembly or surgical instrument, orcomponent thereof, farther from the user, while the term “proximal”refers to that portion of the seal assembly or surgical instrument, orcomponent thereof, closer to the user.

With reference to FIG. 1, an adapter assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, shown generally as adapterassembly 100, and an extension assembly according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, shown generally as extension assembly 200, areconfigured for selective connection to a powered handheldelectromechanical instrument shown, generally as surgical device 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, surgical device 10 is configured for selectiveconnection with adapter assembly 100, and, in turn, adapter assembly 100is configured for selective connection with an extension assembly 200.Extension assembly 200 is configured for selective connection with atool assembly or end effector, e.g. tool assembly 30 (FIG. 34),including a loading unit, e.g. loading unit 40 (FIG. 34), and an anvilassembly, e.g., anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34), for applying a circulararray of staples (not shown) to tissue (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, surgical device 10 includes a handlehousing 12 having a lower housing portion 14, an intermediate housingportion 16 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion 14,and an upper housing portion 18 extending from and/or supported onintermediate housing portion 16. A distal half-section of upper housingportion 18 defines a nose or connecting portion 18 a configured toaccept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 110 (FIG. 10) of adapterassembly 100. For a detailed description of the structure and functionof an exemplary electromechanical instrument, please refer to commonlyowned U.S. Pat. No. 9,055,943, the contents of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Adapter assembly 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3-20.Referring initially to FIG. 3, adapter assembly 100 includes a proximalend 102 configured for operable connection to connecting portion 18 a(FIG. 1) of surgical device 10 (FIG. 1) and a distal end 104 configuredfor operable connection to extension assembly 200 (FIG. 1). Inaccordance with the present disclosure, adapter assembly 100 may besubstantially or fully rigid along the entire length.

Turning to FIGS. 3-5, from proximal end 102 to distal end 104 of adapterassembly 100, adapter assembly 100 includes a drive coupling assembly110, a drive transfer assembly 130 operably connected to drive couplingassembly 110, a first pusher assembly 160 operably connected to drivetransfer assembly 130, and a second pusher assembly 180 operablyconnected to drive transfer assembly 130. Each of drive transferassembly 130, first pusher assembly 160 and second pusher assembly 180are operably maintained within an outer sleeve 106 (FIG. 3). As will bedescribed in further detail below, a shaft 108 (FIG. 3) extendslongitudinally through adapter assembly 100 and is operably connected todrive transfer assembly 130.

With reference to FIGS. 5-9, drive coupling assembly 110 has acylindrical profile and is configured to selectively secure adapterassembly 100 to surgical device 10 (FIG. 1). Drive coupling assembly 110includes a connector housing 112 and a connector extension 114 fixedlyconnected to connector housing 112 by a mounting plate 113. Connectorhousing 112 and connector extension 114 operate to rotatably support afirst rotatable proximal drive shaft 116, a second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 118, and a third rotatable proximal drive shaft 120.Connector housing 112 and connector extension 114 of drive couplingassembly 110 also rotatably supports first, second, and third connectorsleeves 116, 118, and 120, respectively. Each of connector sleeves 122,124, 126 is configured to mate with respective first, second, and thirddrive connectors (not shown) of surgical device 10 (FIG. 1). Eachconnector sleeve 122, 124, 126 is further configured to mate with aproximal end 116 a, 118 a, 120 a of respective first, second and thirdproximal drive shafts 116, 118, 120.

Drive coupling assembly 110 also includes first, second and thirdbiasing members 122 a, 124 a and 126 a disposed distally of respectivefirst, second and third connector sleeves 122, 124, 126. Each of biasingmembers 122 a, 124 a and 126 a is disposed about respective first,second, and third rotatable proximal drive shafts 122, 124 and 126 tohelp maintain connector sleeves 122, 124, and 126 engaged with thedistal end of respective drive rotatable drive connectors (not shown) ofsurgical device 10 when adapter assembly 100 is connect to surgicaldevice 10. In particular, first, second and third biasing members 122 a,124 a and 126 a function to bias respective connector sleeves 122, 124and 126 in a proximal direction.

For a detailed description of an exemplary drive coupling assembly,please refer to the '329 application, the contents of which waspreviously incorporated by reference herein.

With reference to FIGS. 9-13, drive transfer assembly 130 (FIGS. 10 and13) of adapter assembly 100 has a cylindrical profile and operablyconnects distal ends of first, second and third rotatable proximal driveshafts 116, 118 and 120 to shaft 108, first pusher assembly 160, andsecond pusher assembly 180, respectively. Drive transfer assembly 130includes a support plate 132 (FIGS. 11 and 12) secured to a proximal endof connector housing 112 and a drive transfer housing 134 positionedadjacent support plate 132. Support plate 132 and housing 134 operate torotatably support a first rotatable distal drive shaft 136, a secondrotatable distal drive shaft 138 and a drive member 140.

First and second rotatable distal drive shafts 136 and 138 are eachoperably connected to respective first and second rotatable proximaldrive shafts 116 and 118 of drive coupling assembly 110 by a pair ofgears. In particular, distal ends of each of first and second rotatableproximal drive shaft 116 and 118 include a geared portion 142 a and 144a, respectively, which engages a proximal drive gear 142 b and 144 b ona proximal end of respective first and second distal drive shafts 136and 138. As shown, each of respective paired geared portion and proximaldrive gear 142 a, 142 b and 144 a, 144 b are the same size to provide a1:1 gear ratio between the respective rotatable proximal and distaldrive shafts. In this manner, respective rotatable proximal and distaldrive shafts rotate at the same speed. However, it is envisioned thateither or both of the paired geared portions and proximal drive gearsmay be of different sizes to alter the gear ratio between the rotatableproximal and distal drive shafts.

A distal end of third proximal drive shaft 120 of drive couplingassembly 110 includes a geared portion 146 a that engages a gearedportion 146 b formed on a proximal end of drive member 140 of drivetransfer assembly 130. The size of geared portion 146 a on thirdproximal drive shaft 120 and geared portion 146 b on drive member 140are the same size to provide a 1:1 gear ratio between third proximaldrive shaft 120 and drive member 140. In this manner, third proximaldrive shaft 120 and drive member 140 rotate at the same speed. However,it is envisioned that either or both of geared portions 146 a, 146 b maybe of different sizes to alter the gear ratio between third proximaldrive shaft 120 and drive member 140. A distal end of drive member 140defines a socket 145 that receives a proximal end 108 a of shaft 108.Alternatively, socket 145 may be configured to operably engage aproximal end 208 a of a drive shaft (FIG. 17) of an extension assembly200 (FIG. 17).

Drive transfer assembly 130 also includes a drive connector 148 (FIG.11) operably connecting first rotatable distal drive shaft 136 to firstpusher assembly 160 and a tubular connector 150 operably connectingsecond rotatable distal drive shaft 138 to second pusher assembly 180.In particular, a distal end of first rotatable distal drive shaft 136includes a geared portion 152 a that engages a geared portion 152 b ofdrive connector 148. A distal end of second rotatable distal drive shaft138 includes a geared portion 154 a that engages a drive gear 154 bsecured to a distal end of tubular connector 150.

As shown in FIG. 10, geared portion 152 a of first rotatable distaldrive shaft 136 is smaller than geared portion 152 b of drive connector148 to provide a gear ratio of greater than 1:1 between first rotatabledistal drive shaft 136 and drive connector 148. In this manner, driveconnector 148 rotates at a slower speed than first rotatable distaldrive shaft 136. Similarly, geared portion 154 a of second rotatabledistal drive shaft 138 is smaller than drive gear 154 b on tubularconnector 150 to provide a gear ratio of greater than 1:1 between secondrotatable distal drive shaft 138 and drive connector 148. In thismanner, tubular connector 150 rotates at a slower speed than secondrotatable distal drive shaft 138. However, it is envisioned that each ofpaired geared portion 152 a and geared portion 152 b, and geared portion154 a and drive gear 154 b may be the same size to provide a gear ratioof 1:1 between respective first rotatable distal drive shaft 136 anddrive connector 148 and between second rotatable distal drive shaft 138and tubular connector 150.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9-13, first pusher assembly 160includes proximal and distal housing sections 162, 164 (FIG. 11), aplanetary gear assembly 166 operably mounted within proximal housingsection 162, a screw member 168 (FIG. 11) operably connected toplanetary gear assembly 166 and rotatably supported within distalhousing section 164, and a pusher member 170 (FIG. 11) operablyconnected to screw member 168 and slidably disposed within distalhousing section 164. Planetary gear assembly 166 includes first andsecond planetary gear systems 166 a, 166 b (FIG. 10). First planetarygear system 166 a includes a central drive gear 172 a mounted on adistal end of drive connector 148 of drive transfer assembly 130 and aplurality of planetary gears 174 a rotatably mounted to a rotatablesupport ring 176.

Each planetary gear 174 a of first planetary gear system 166 a engagescentral drive gear 172 a and a toothed inner surface 165 of proximalhousing section 162. As central drive gear 172 a rotates in a firstdirection, e.g., clockwise, each planetary gear 174 a rotates in asecond direction, e.g., counter-clockwise. As each planetary gear 174 arotates in the second direction, engagement of planetary gears 174 awith toothed inner surface 165 of distal housing section 162 causesrotatable support ring 176 to rotate in the first direction. Conversely,rotation of central drive gear 172 a in the second direction causesrotation of each planetary gear 174 a in the first direction therebycausing rotation of rotatable support ring 176 in the second direction.The configuration of first planetary gear system 166 a provides areduction in the gear ratio. In this manner, the speed of rotation ofrotatable support ring 174 is less than the speed of rotation of centraldrive gear 170 a.

Second planetary gear system 166 b includes a central drive gear 172 bsecurely affixed to rotatable support ring 176 and a plurality ofplanetary gears 174 b rotatably mounted to a proximal end surface 168 aof screw member 168. Each planetary gear 174 b of second planetary gearsystem 166 b engages central drive gear 172 b and toothed inner surface165 of proximal housing section 162. As rotatable support ring 176 offirst planetary gear system 166 a rotates in the first direction therebycausing central drive gear 172 b to also rotate in the first direction,each planetary gear 174 b rotates in the second direction. As eachplanetary gear 174 b rotates in the second direction, engagement ofplanetary gears 174 b with toothed inner surface 165 of proximal housingsection 162 causes screw member 168 to rotate in the first direction.Conversely, rotation of central drive gear 172 b in the second directioncauses rotation of each planetary gear 174 b in the first direction,thereby causing screw member 168 to rotate in the second direction. Theconfiguration of second planetary gear system 166 b provides a reductionin the gear ratio. In this manner, the speed of rotation of screw member168 is less than the speed of rotation of central drive gear 172 b.First and second planetary gear systems 166 a, 166 b operate in unisonto provide a reduction in the gear ratio between first rotatableproximal drive shaft 116 and screw member 168. In this manner, thereduction in the speed of rotation of screw member 168 relative to driveconnector 148 is a product of the reduction provided by the first andsecond planetary gear systems 166 a, 166 b.

Screw member 168 is rotatably supported within proximal housing portion162 and includes a threaded distal end 168 b that operably engages athreaded inner surface 170 a of pusher member 170. As screw member 168is rotated in the first direction, engagement of threaded distal end 168b of screw member 168 with threaded inner surface 170 a of pusher member170 (which is keyed to permit axial translation and prevent rotationthereof) causes longitudinal advancement of pusher member 170, asindicated by arrows “A” in FIG. 12. Conversely, rotation of screw member168 in the second direction causes retraction of pusher member 170.

Pusher member 170 of first pusher assembly 160 of adapter assembly 100includes a pair of tabs 178 formed on a distal end thereof for engagingconnector extensions 240, 242 (FIG. 19) of outer flexible band assembly230 (FIG. 19) of extension assembly 200 (FIG. 17). Although shown astabs 178, it is envisioned that pusher member 170 may include anystructure suitable for selectively engaging connector extensions 240,242 of outer flexible band 230 of extension assembly 200.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 14-16, second pusher assembly 180is substantially similar to first pusher assembly 160, and includesproximal and distal housing sections 182, 184, a planetary gear assembly186 operably mounted within proximal housing section 182, a screw member188 operably connected to planetary gear assembly 186 and rotatablysupported within distal housing section 184, and a pusher member 190operably connected to screw member 188 and slidably disposed withindistal housing section 184. Planetary gear assembly 186 includes firstand second planetary gear systems 186 a, 186 b (FIG. 16). Firstplanetary gear system 186 a includes a central drive gear 192 a mountedon a distal end of tubular connector 150 of drive transfer assembly 130and a plurality of planetary gears 194 a rotatably mounted to arotatable support ring 196.

Each planetary gear 194 a of first planetary gear system 186 a engagescentral drive gear 192 a and a toothed inner surface 185 of proximalhousing section 182. As central drive gear 192 a rotates in a firstdirection, e.g., clockwise, each planetary gear 194 a rotates in asecond direction, e.g., counter-clockwise. As each planetary gear 194 arotates in the second direction, engagement of planetary gears 194 awith toothed inner surface 185 of distal housing section 182 causesrotatable support ring 196 to rotate in the first direction. Conversely,rotation of central drive gear 192 a in the second direction causesrotation of each planetary gear 194 a in the first direction therebycausing rotation of rotatable support ring 196 in the second direction.The configuration of first planetary gear system 186 a provides areduction in the gear ratio. In this manner, the speed of rotation ofrotatable support ring 194 is less than the speed of rotation of centraldrive gear 190 a.

Second planetary gear system 186 b includes a central drive gear 192 bsecurely affixed to rotatable support ring 196 and a plurality ofplanetary gears 194 b rotatably mounted to a proximal end surface 188 aof screw member 188. Each planetary gear 194 b of second planetary gearsystem 186 b engages central drive gear 192 b and toothed inner surface185 of proximal housing section 182. As rotatable support ring 196 offirst planetary gear system 186 a rotates in the first direction therebycausing central drive gear 192 b to also rotate in the first direction,each planetary gear 174 b rotates in the second direction. As eachplanetary gear 194 b rotates in the second direction, engagement ofplanetary gears 194 b with toothed inner surface 185 of proximal housingsection 182 causes screw member 188 to rotate in the first direction.Conversely, rotation of central drive gear 192 b in the second directioncauses rotation of each planetary gear 194 b in the first direction,thereby causing screw member 198 to rotate in the second direction. Theconfiguration of second planetary gear system 186 b provides a reductionin the gear ratio. In this manner, the speed of rotation of screw member188 is less than the speed of rotation of central drive gear 182 b.First and second planetary gear systems 186 a, 186 b operate in unisonto provide a reduction in the gear ratio between second rotatableproximal drive shaft 118 and screw member 188. In this manner, thereduction in the speed of rotation of screw member 188 relative totubular connector 150 is a product of the reduction provided by thefirst and second planetary gear systems 186 a, 186 b.

Screw member 188 is rotatably supported within proximal housing portion182 and includes a threaded distal end 188 b that operably engages athreaded inner surface 190 a of pusher member 190. As screw member 188is rotated in the first direction, engagement of threaded distal end 188b of screw member 188 with threaded inner surface 190 a of pusher member190 (which is keyed to permit axial translation and prevent rotationthereof) causes longitudinal advancement of pusher member 190.Conversely, rotation of screw member 188 in the second direction causesretraction of pusher member 190.

Pusher member 190 of second pusher assembly 180 of adapter assembly 100includes a pair of tabs 198 formed on a distal end thereof for engagingconnector extensions 220, 224 (FIG. 18) of inner flexible band assembly220 (FIG. 18) of extension assembly 200 (FIG. 17). Although shown astabs 198, it is envisioned that pusher member 190 may include anystructure suitable for selectively engaging connector extensions 240,242 of outer flexible band 230 of extension assembly 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-34, extension assembly 200 for operablyconnecting adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3) with a circular loading unit,e.g. loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) and an anvil assembly, e.g., anvilassembly 50 (FIG. 34) will be described. In particular, a proximal end202 of extension assembly 200 operably connects with distal end 104(FIG. 3) of adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3) and a distal end 204 ofextension assembly 200 operably connects with loading unit 40 and anvilassembly 50. As shown, extension assembly 200 provides a slightcurvature between proximal and distal end 202, 204. In an alternativeembodiment, extension assembly 200 may be straight or may include agreater curvature. In accordance with the present disclosure, extensionassembly 200 may be substantially or fully rigid along its entirelength.

Although extension assembly 200 will be shown and described as beingused to connect loading unit 40 and anvil assembly 50 to adapterassembly 100 (FIG. 3), it is envisioned that the aspects of the presentdisclosure may be modified for use with various loading units, anvilassemblies, and adapter assemblies. Exemplary loading units and anvilassemblies are described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,590,763 and9,579,099, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/056,301 (U.S. PatentPublication No. 2015/0108201, filed on Oct. 17, 2013), the contents ofeach being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Extension assembly 200 includes an inner flexible band assembly 210(FIG. 18), about an outer flexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19) slidablydisposed about inner flexible band assembly 210, a frame assembly 250(FIG. 20) for supporting inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210,230, a trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) operably received through inner andouter flexible band assemblies 210, 230, and a connector assembly 290for securing loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) to extension assembly 200. Anouter sleeve 206 (FIG. 17) is received about frame assembly 250 andtrocar assembly 270, and inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210,230 are slidably received through outer sleeve 206. As will be describedin further detail below, extension assembly 200 may include a driveshaft 208 operably connected to trocar assembly 270 and extendingthrough proximal end 202 of extension assembly 200.

With reference to FIG. 18, inner flexible band assembly 210 includesfirst and second inner flexible bands 212, 214, a support ring 216, asupport base 218, and first and second connection extensions 220, 222.Proximal ends 212 a, 214 a of respective first and second inner flexiblebands 212, 214 are laterally spaced apart and securely attached tosupport ring 216. Distal ends 212 b, 214 b of first and second innerflexible bands 212, 214 are laterally spaced apart and securely attachedto a proximal end 218 a of support base 218. Each of first and secondinner flexible bands 212, 214 may be attached to support ring 216 and/orsupport base 218 in any suitable manner, including, for example, bypress-fitting, welding, adhesives, and/or with mechanical fasteners. Aswill be described in further detail below, inner flexible band assembly210 is configured to be slidably received about trocar assembly 270(FIG. 28) and within outer flexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19) andouter sleeve 206 (FIG. 17).

First and second connection extensions 220, 222 of inner flexible bandassembly 210 extend proximally from support ring 216 and operablyconnect inner flexible band assembly 210 with pusher member 190 (FIG.15) of second pusher assembly 180 (FIG. 15) of adapter assembly 100(FIG. 3). In particular, each of first and second connection extensions220, 222 define respective openings 221, 223 configured to receive tabs198 (FIG. 15) of pusher member 190 (FIG. 15) of second pusher assembly180. Receipt of tabs 198 of pusher member 190 within openings 221, 223of respective first and second extensions 220, 222 secure inner flexibleband assembly 210 of extension assembly 200 with second pusher assembly180 of adapter assembly 100. First and second connection extensions 220,222 may be integrally formed with support ring 216, or attached theretoin any suitable manner.

Support base 218 extends distally from inner flexible bands 212, 214 andis configured to selectively connect extension assembly 200 with loadingunit 40 (FIG. 34). Specifically, a distal end 218 a of support base 218includes a flange 224 for operable engagement with an axially movableassembly (not shown) of loading unit 40 (FIG. 34). In one embodiment,flange 224 is configured for connection with a knife assembly (notshown) of loading unit 40 (FIG. 34).

With reference now to FIG. 19, outer flexible band assembly 230 issubstantially similar to inner flexible band assembly 210 and includesfirst and second flexible bands 232, 234 laterally spaced and connectedon proximal ends 232 a, 234 a to a support ring 236 and on distal ends234 b, 234 b to a proximal end 238 a of a support base 238. Each offirst and second outer flexible bands 232, 234 may be attached tosupport ring 236 and support base 238 in any suitable manner, including,for example, by press-fitting, welding, adhesives, and/or withmechanical fasteners. As will be described in further detail below,outer flexible band assembly 230 is configured to receive trocarassembly 270 (FIG. 28) therethrough.

First and second connection extensions 240, 242 of outer flexible bandassembly 230 extend proximally from support ring 236 and operablyconnect outer flexible band assembly 230 with pusher member 170 (FIG.12) of first pusher assembly 160 (FIG. 12) of adapter assembly 100 (FIG.1). In particular, each of first and second connection extensions 240,242 define respective openings 241, 243 configured to receive tabs 178(FIG. 12) of pusher member 170 of first pusher assembly 180. Receipt oftabs 178 of pusher member 170 within openings 241, 243 of respectivefirst and second extensions 240, 242 secures outer flexible bandassembly 230 of extension assembly 200 with first pusher assembly 180 ofadapter assembly 100. First and second connection extensions 240, 242may be integrally formed with support ring 236, or attached thereto inany suitable manner.

Support base 238 extends distally from outer flexible bands 232, 234 andis configured to selectively connect extension assembly 200 with loadingunit 40 (FIG. 34). Specifically, a distal end 238 b of support base 238includes a flange 244 for operable engagement with an axially movableassembly (not shown) of a loading unit (not shown). In one embodiment,flange 244 is configured for connection with a staple pusher assembly(not shown) of loading unit 40 (FIG. 34).

With reference now to FIGS. 20-26, frame assembly 250 includes first andsecond proximal spacer members 252, 254, and first and second distalspacer members 256, 258. When secured together, first and secondproximal spacer members 252, 254 define a pair of inner longitudinalslots 253 a for slidably receiving first and second flexible bands 212,214 (FIG. 18) of inner flexible band assembly 210 (FIG. 18) and a pairof outer longitudinal slots 253 b for slidably receiving first andsecond flexible bands 232, 234 (FIG. 19) of outer flexible band assembly230 (FIG. 19). First and second proximal spacer members 252, 254 furtherdefine a longitudinal passage 255 for receipt of trocar assembly 270.

In one embodiment, and as shown, first and second proximal spacermembers 252, 254 are formed of plastic and are secured together with asnap-fit arrangement. Alternatively, first and second proximal spacermembers 252, 254 may be formed of metal or other suitable material andmay be secured together in any suitable manner, including by welding,adhesives, and/or using mechanical fasteners.

First and second distal spacer members 256, 258 define a pair of innerslots 257 a for slidably receiving first and second flexible bands 212,214 (FIG. 18) of inner flexible band assembly 210 (FIG. 18) and a pairof outer slots 257 b for slidably receiving first and second flexiblebands 232, 234 (FIG. 19) of outer flexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19).First and second distal spacer members 256, 258 further define alongitudinal passage 259 for receipt of trocar assembly 270.

In one embodiment, and as shown, each of first and second distal spacermembers 256, 258 are secured about inner and outer flexible bandassemblies 210, 230 and to outer sleeve 206 (FIG. 17) by a pair ofscrews 260 a, 260 b (FIG. 26). Alternatively, first and second distalspacer members 256, 258 may be secured together in any suitable manner,including by welding, adhesives, and/or using mechanical fasteners.First and second distal spacer members 256, 258 may be formed of metalor any other suitable material.

With reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, frame assembly 250 furtherincludes a proximal seal member 262 and first and second distal sealmembers 264, 266. Each of proximal seal member 252 and first and seconddistal seal members 264, 266 include seals halves 262 a, 262 b, 264 a,264 b, 266 a, 266 b, respectively. Proximal seal member 262 is receivedbetween first and second proximal spacer members 252, 254 and first andsecond distal spacer members 256, 258. First half 264 a of first distalseal member 264 is secured to first half 266 a of second distal sealmember 266 and second half 264 b of first distal seal member 264 issecured to second half of second distal seal member 266. Proximal sealmember 262 and first and second distal seal members 264, 266 engageouter sleeve 206 (FIG. 17), inner and outer flexible bands 212, 214 and232, 234 of respective inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210, 230and trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) in a sealing manner. In this manner,proximal seal member 262 and first and second distal seal members 264,266 operate to provide a fluid tight seal between distal end 204 andproximal end 202 of extension assembly 200.

With reference to FIGS. 29-32, trocar assembly 270 of extension assembly200 includes an outer housing 272, a trocar member 274 slidably disposedwithin tubular outer housing 272, and a drive screw 276 operablyreceived within trocar member 274 for axially moving trocar member 274relative to tubular housing 272. In particular, trocar member 274includes a proximal end 274 a having an inner threaded portion 275 whichengages a threaded distal portion 276 b of drive screw 276. As drivescrew 276 is rotated within trocar member 274, engagement of innerthreaded portion 275 of trocar member 274 with threaded distal portion276 b of drive screw 276 causes longitudinal movement of trocar member274 within outer housing 272 of trocar assembly 270. Rotation of drivescrew 276 in a first direction causes longitudinal advancement of trocarmember 274 and rotation of drive screw 276 in a second direction causeslongitudinal retraction of trocar member 274. A distal end 274 b oftrocar member 274 is configured to selectively engage anvil assembly 50(FIG. 34).

A bearing assembly 278 is mounted to a proximal end 272 a of outerhousing 272 of trocar assembly 270 for rotatably supporting a proximalend 276 a of drive screw 276 relative to outer housing 272 and trocarmember 274. Bearing assembly 278 includes a housing 280, proximal anddistal spacers 282 a, 282 b, proximal and distal retention clips 284 a,284 b, proximal and distal bearings 286 a, 286 b, and a washer 288. Asshown, proximal end 276 a of drive screw 276 includes a flange 276 c forconnection with a link assembly 277. A distal portion 277 b of linkassembly 277 is pivotally received between first and second proximalspacer members 252, 254 and operably engages flange 276 c on drive screw276. A proximal end 277 a of link assembly 277 is configured foroperable engagement with a distal end 208 b of drive shaft 208.

With reference now to FIGS. 32 and 33, connector assembly 290 ofextension assembly 200 includes a tubular connector 292 attached to adistal end 206 a of outer sleeve 206 and about distal ends of inner andouter flexible assemblies 210, 230 (FIG. 26) and trocar assembly 270. Inparticular, a proximal end 292 a of tubular connector 292 is receivedwithin and securely attached to distal end 206 b of outer sleeve 206 bya retaining clip 294. An O-ring 296 forms a fluid tight seal betweentubular connector 292 of connector assembly 290 and outer sleeve 206. Adistal end 292 b of tubular connector 292 is configured to selectivelyengage a proximal end of loading unit 40 (FIG. 34). Distal end 292 b oftubular connector 292 engages the circular loading unit with a snap-fitarrangement, bayonet coupling, or in another suitable manner.

With reference now to FIGS. 34 and 35, extension assembly 200 isconnected to adapter assembly 100 by receiving proximal end 202 (FIG.17) of extension assembly 200 within distal end 104 of adapter assembly100. In particular, first and second connection extensions 220, 240,222, 242 of respective inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210, 230are received within sleeve 106 of adapter assembly 100 such that tabs178 of pusher member 170 of first pusher assembly 160 of adapterassembly 100 are received within openings 241, 243 of respective firstand second connection extensions 240, 242 of outer flexible bandassembly 230 to secure outer flexible band assembly 230 with firstpusher assembly 160 and tabs 198 of pusher member 190 of second pusherassembly 180 of adapter assembly 100 are received within openings 221,223 of first and second connection extensions 221, 223 of inner flexibleband assembly 210 to secure inner flexible band assembly 210 with secondpusher assembly 180.

As noted above, adapter assembly 100 may include a drive shaft 108 (FIG.3) that extends from distal end 104 of adapter assembly 100.Alternatively, extension assembly 200 may include a drive shaft 208extending from proximal portion 202 of extension assembly 200. In theevent that both adapter assembly 100 includes drive shaft 108 andextension assembly 200 includes drive shaft 208, prior to receipt ofproximal portion 202 of extension assembly 200 within distal end 104 ofextension assembly 100, one of drive shaft 108, 208 must be removed fromrespective adapter assembly 100 and extension assembly 200. Duringreceipt of proximal portion 202 of extension assembly 200 within distalend 102 of adapter assembly 100, either distal end 108 b (FIG. 35) ofdrive shaft 108 b (FIG. 35) engages proximal portion 277 b (FIG. 35) oflink assembly 277, or proximal end 208 a (FIG. 17) of drive shaft 208(FIG. 17) is received within socket 145 of drive member 140 of drivetransfer assembly 130 of extension assembly 100 (FIG. 12).

After extension assembly 200 is operably engaged with adapter assembly100, and adapter assembly 100 is operably engaged with surgical device10 (FIG. 1), loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) of end effector 30 (FIG. 34) maybe attached to connector assembly 290 of extension assembly 200 and ananvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34) may be attached to distal end 274 b oftrocar 274 of extension assembly 200 in a conventional manner. Duringactuation of loading unit 40 and anvil assembly 50, longitudinaladvancement of pusher member 190 of second pusher assembly 180 ofadapter assembly 100, as described above, and as indicated by arrows “C”in FIG. 35, causes longitudinal advancement of outer flexible bandassembly 230 of extension assembly 200 and longitudinal advancement ofpusher member 170 of first pusher assembly 160, as described above, andas indicated by arrows “D” in FIG. 35, causes longitudinal advancementof inner flexible band assembly 210. Rotation of drive shaft 108 in afirst direction, as described above, and as indicated by arrow “E”,causes advancement of trocar 274 of extension assembly 200. Conversely,longitudinal retraction of pusher member 190 causes longitudinalretraction of outer flexible band assembly 230, longitudinal retractionof pusher member 170 causes longitudinal retraction of inner flexibleband assembly 210, and rotation of drive shaft 108 in a second directioncauses retraction of trocar 274 of extension assembly 200.

In one embodiment, inner flexible band assembly 210 is operablyconnected to a knife assembly (not show) of loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) ofend effector 30 (FIG. 34) attached to connection assembly 290 ofextension assembly 200, outer flexible band assembly 230 is operablyconnected to a staple driver assembly (not shown) of loading unit 40,and trocar 274 is operably connected to anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34) ofend effector 30 (FIG. 34). In this manner, longitudinal movement ofinner flexible band assembly 210 causes longitudinal movement of theknife assembly, longitudinal movement of outer flexible band assembly230 causes longitudinal movement of the staple driver assembly, andlongitudinal movement of trocar 274 causes longitudinal movement ofanvil assembly 50 relative to loading unit 40.

With reference to FIGS. 36-41, an adapter assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure is shown as adapter assembly 300.Adapter assembly 300 is substantially similar to adapter assembly 100described hereinabove and will only be described as it relates to thedifferences therebetween.

As will become apparent from the following description, theconfiguration of adapter assembly 300 permits rotation of a distalportion 304 of adapter assembly 300 about a longitudinal axis “X” (FIG.37), relative to a proximal portion 302 of adapter assembly 300. In thismanner, an end effector, e.g. end effector 30 (FIG. 34) secured todistal portion 304 of adapter assembly 300 or an end effector secured toan extension assembly, e.g., extension assembly 200 (FIG. 17) which issecured to distal portion 304 of adapter assembly 300 is rotatable aboutlongitudinal axis “X” independent of movement of the surgical device(not shown) to which adapter assembly 300 is attached.

Adapter assembly 300 includes a base 306 and a support structure 308rotatable relative to base 306 along longitudinal axis “X” of adapterassembly 300. A rotation handle 310 is rotatably secured to base 306 andfixedly secured to a proximal end of support structure 308. Rotationhandle 310 permits longitudinal rotation of distal portion 304 ofadapter assembly 300 relative to proximal end 302 of adapter assembly300. As will be described in further detail below, a latch 312 ismounted to rotation handle 310 and selectively secures rotation handle310 in a fixed longitudinal position.

Proximal portion 302 of adapter assembly 300 includes a drive couplingassembly 320 and a drive transfer assembly 330 operably connected todrive coupling assembly 320. Distal portion 304 of adapter assembly 300includes a first pusher assembly 340 operably connected to drivetransfer assembly 330, and a second pusher assembly 350 operablyconnected to drive transfer assembly 330. Drive coupling assembly 320and drive transfer assembly 330 are mounted within base 306, and thus,remain rotationally fixed relative to the surgical device (not shown) towhich adapter assembly 300 is attached. First pusher assembly 340 andsecond pusher assembly 350 are mounted within support structure 308, andthus, are rotatable relative to the surgical device (not shown) to whichadapter assembly 300 is attached.

Drive coupling assembly 320 is configured to selectively secure adapterassembly 300 to a surgical device (not shown). For a detaileddescription of an exemplary surgical device and drive coupling assembly,please refer to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/550,183, filed Nov. 21, 2014 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2015/0157321), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/822,970, filedAug. 11, 2015 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0342603), thecontent of each of which being incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Rotation knob 310 is rotatably secured to base 306. Latch 312 includes apin 312 a (FIG. 40) configured to lock rotation knob 310 relative tobase 306. In particular, pin 312 a of latch 312 is received within aslot 307 formed in base 306 and is biased distally by a spring 314 intoa notch 307 a (FIG. 40) formed in base 306 and in communication withslot 307 to lock rotation knob 310 relative to base 306. Proximalmovement of latch 312, as indicated by arrow “F” in FIG. 36, retractspin 312 a from within notch 307 a to permit rotation of rotation knob310 relative to base 306. Although not shown, it is envisioned that base306 may define a number of notches radially spaced about base 306 and incommunication with slot 307 that permit rotation knob 310 to be lockedin a number of longitudinal orientations relative to base 306.

Drive transfer assembly 330, first drive pusher assembly 340, and seconddrive pusher assembly 350 of adapter assembly 300 are substantiallyidentical to respective drive transfer assembly 130, first drive pusherassembly 160, and second drive pusher assembly 180 of adapter assembly100 described hereinabove, and therefore, will only be described asrelates to the differences therebetween.

Support structure 308 is fixedly received about first and second drivepusher assemblies 340, 350 and rotatably relative to base 306. As notedabove, rotation knob 310 is fixedly secured to the proximal end ofsupport structure 308 to facilitate rotation of support structure 308relative to base 306. Support structure 308 is retained with outersleeve 305 of adapter assembly 300 and is configured to maintain axialalignment of first and second drive pusher assemblies 340, 350. Supportstructure 308 may also reduce the cost of adapter assembly 300 whencompared to the cost of adapter assembly 100.

Support structure 308 respectively includes first, second, third,fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh plates 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, 360e, 360 f, 360 g, a first and a second plurality of tubular supports 362a, 362 b, first and second support rings 364 a, 364 b, a first and asecond plurality of ribs 366 a, 366 b, and a plurality of rivets 368.From proximal to distal, first and second plates 360 a, 360 b aremaintained in spaced apart relation to each other by the first pluralityof tubular supports 362 a, second and third plates 360 b, 360 c aremaintained in spaced apart relation to each other by first support ring364 a, third and fourth plates 360 c, 360 d are maintained in spacedapart relation to each other by the first plurality of support ribs 366a, fourth and fifth plates 360 d, 360 e are maintained in spaced apartrelation to each other by the second plurality of tubular supports 362b, fifth and sixth plates 360 e, 360 f are maintained in spaced apartrelation to each other by second support ring 364 b, and sixth andseventh plates 360 f, 360 g are maintained in spaced apart relation toeach other by the second plurality of support ribs 366 b. First, second,third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh plates 360 a-g are heldtogether by a plurality of rivets 368 secured to first and seventhplates 360 a, 360 g and extending through second, third, fourth, fifth,and sixth plates 360 b-360 f, first and second support rings 364 a, 364b, and respective first and second plurality of tubular support 362 a,362 b.

Adapter assembly 300 operates in a substantially similar manner toadapter assembly 100 described hereinabove. In addition, as described indetail above, adapter assembly 300 is configured to permit rotation ofan end effector, e.g., end effector 30 (FIG. 34) attached to adapterassembly 300 or attached to an extension assembly that is attached toadapter assembly 300 to be selectively rotated about longitudinal axis“X” (FIG. 37) during use.

With reference now to FIGS. 42-44, an adapter assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally asadapter assembly 400. Adapter assembly 400 is substantially similar toadapter assemblies 100 and 300 described hereinabove, and therefore willonly be described as relates to the differences therebetween.

Adapter assembly 400 includes a proximal portion 402 and a distalportion 404 rotatable along a longitudinal axis “X” relative to proximalportion 402. Distal portion 404 includes a support structure 408 securedto outer sleeve 405 and formed about first and second pusher assemblies440, 450. Support structure 408 includes a plurality of reinforcingmembers 462 extending substantially the length of outer sleeve 405.Reinforcing members 462 each include a proximal tab 462 a and a distaltab 462 b which extend through outer sleeve 405 to secure reinforcingmember 462 within outer sleeve 405. Proximal tabs 462 of reinforcingmembers 462 are further configured to engage a rotation knob 410 ofadapter assembly 400. Adapter assembly 400 may include annular plates(not shown) positioned radially inward of reinforcing members 462 thatmaintain proximal and distal tabs 462 a, 462 b of reinforcing members462 in engagement with outer sleeve 405. The annular plates may alsoprovide structure support to distal portion 404 of adapter assembly 400.

With reference to FIGS. 45-49, a connection assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as connectionassembly 500. As shown and will be described, connection assembly 500 isconfigured to be attached to first and second tubular bodies (not shown)for connecting the first tubular body, e.g., adapter assembly 100 (FIG.3), 300 (FIG. 36), 400 (FIG. 42), to the second tubular body, e.g.,extension assembly 200 (FIG. 17). It is envisioned, however, that theaspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated directly into thefirst and second tubular bodies to permit connection of the firsttubular body directly to the second tubular body.

Connection assembly 500 includes a tubular base 510 and a tubularextension 520 formed of first and second sections 520 a, 520 b and anouter sleeve 522. As shown, tubular base 510 defines a pair of openings511 for securing tubular base 510 to a first tubular body (not shown).Alternatively, tubular base 510 may include only a single opening, oneor more tabs (not shown), and/or one or more slots (not shown), forsecuring tubular base 510 to the first tubular body (not shown). Aflange 512 extends from a first end of tubular base 510 and includes anannular rim 514 extending thereabout.

First and second sections 520 a, 520 b of tubular extension 520 aresubstantially similar to one another and each define an annular groove521 formed along an inner first surface thereof. Each of first andsecond section 520 a, 520 b of tubular extension 520 is configured to bereceived about flange 512 of tubular base 510 such that rim 514 oftubular base 510 is received within grooves 521 of first and secondsections 520 a, 520 b of tubular extension 520. Once first and secondsections 520 a, 520 b of tubular extension 520 are received about flange512 of tubular base 510, outer sleeve 522 of tubular extension 520 isreceived about first and second sections 520 a, 520 b of tubularextension 520 to secure tubular extension 520 to tubular base 510.

As shown, each of first and second sections 520 a, 520 b of tubularextension 520 define an opening 523 configured to be aligned with a pairof openings 525 in outer sleeve 522 to secure outer sleeve 522 to firstand second sections 520 a, 520 b. Either or both of first and secondsections 520 a, 520 b and outer sleeve 522 may include one or more tabs,and/or one or more slots for securing outer sleeve 522 about first andsecond extensions. Alternatively, outer sleeve 522 may be secured tofirst and second sections 520 a, 520 b in any suitable manner.

Outer sleeve 522 may be selectively secured about first and secondextensions for selective removal of outer sleeve 522 from about firstand second sections 520 a, 520 b to permit separation of tubularextension 520 from tubular base 510. Alternatively, outer sleeve 522 maybe permanently secured about first and second sections 520 a, 520 b toprevent tubular extension 520 from being separated from tubular base510. As noted above, although tubular base 510 and tubular extension 520are shown and described as forming an independent connection assembly500, it is envisioned that tubular base 510 may be formed on a firsttubular member, e.g., adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3) and tubularextension 520 may be formed on a second tubular member, e.g., extensionassembly 200 (FIG. 17) such that the first tubular member may bedirectly connected to the second tubular member.

With reference to FIGS. 50-52, an alternate embodiment of a trocarassembly 1270 is shown in combination with an alternate embodiment of anextension assembly 1200. Trocar assembly 1270 is similar to trocarassembly 270 described above, and not all similarities will be discussedherein. However, while trocar assembly 270 is configured for secureengagement to link assembly 277 of extension assembly 200, trocarassembly 1270 is configured for releasable engagement with extensionassembly 1200.

With particular reference to FIG. 50, trocar assembly 1270 includes apair of flattened portions 1280 about its perimeter, and extensionassembly 1200 includes a pair of openings 1210 a, 1210 b through itsouter wall or sleeve 1206 (opening 1210 a is not visible in FIG. 50).When trocar assembly 1270 is engaged with extension assembly 1200,flattened portions 1280 of trocar assembly 1270 are axially aligned withopenings 1210 a, 1210 b of extension assembly 1200. In this position, apair of retention members 1300 a, 1300 b is insertable throughrespective openings 1210 a, 1210 b and adjacent (e.g., in contact with)flattened portions 1280.

More particularly, each retention member 1300 a, 1300 b includes anextension portion 1310 a, 1310 b and a receptacle 1320 a, 1320 b,respectively. Each extension portion 1310 a, 1310 b is configured toreleasably engage receptacle 1320 a, 1320 b of the opposite retentionmember 1300 a, 1300 b. That is, extension portion 1310 a of retentionmember 1300 a is configured to releasably engage receptacle 1320 b ofretention member 1300 b; extension portion 1310 b of retention member1300 b is configured to releasably engage receptacle 1320 a of retentionmember 1300 a. It is envisioned that extension portions 1310 a, 1310 brespectively engage receptacles 1320 b, 1320 a via a snap-fitconnection. It is further envisioned that retention member 1300 a isidentical to retention member 1300 b, which may be helpful to minimizemanufacturing costs and to facilitate assembly.

In use, to engage trocar assembly 1270 with extension assembly 1200,trocar assembly 1270 is inserted through a distal opening 1202 ofextension assembly 1200 until a proximal end 1276 a of a drive screw1276 of trocar assembly 1200 engages a link assembly of trocar assembly1200 (see link assembly 277 of trocar assembly 270 in FIG. 32, forexample). Next, extension portion 1310 a, 1310 b of each retentionmember 1300 a, 1300 b, respectively, is inserted through respectiveopening 1210 a, 1210 b of outer sleeve 1206, across flattened portion1280 of trocar assembly 1270 and into receptacle 1320 b, 1320 a of theother retention member 1300 b, 1300 a, respectively. That is, extensionportion 1310 a of retention member 1300 a is inserted through opening1210 a (or 1210 b) of outer sleeve 1206, across flattened portion 1280and into receptacle 1320 b of retention member 1300 b, and extensionportion 1310 b of retention member 1300 b is inserted through opening1210 b (or 1210 a) of outer sleeve 1206, across flattened portion 1280and into receptacle 1320 a of retention member 1300 a. The engagementbetween extension portion 1310 a, flattened portion 1280 and receptacle1320 b, and the engagement between extension portion 1310 b, flattenedportion 1280 and receptacle 1320 a is configured to prevent longitudinaltranslation of a trocar member 1274 of trocar assembly 1270 with respectto outer sleeve 1206 of trocar assembly 1200 (e.g., due to theengagement between extension portions 1310 a, 1310 b and walls 1282 offlattened portion 1280). Additionally, the engagement between extensionportion 1310 a, flattened portion 1280 and receptacle 1320 b, and theengagement between extension portion 1310 b, flattened portion 1280 andreceptacle 1320 a is configured to prevent relative rotation betweentrocar member 1274 of trocar assembly 1270 and outer sleeve 1206 oftrocar assembly 1200.

Additionally, and with particular reference to FIG. 50, each retentionmember 1300 a, 1300 b includes a nub 1302 (only nub 1302 associated withretention member 1300 a is shown), which is configured to mechanicallyengage a detent 1284 of trocar assembly 1270. It is envisioned that theengagement between nubs 1302 and detents 1284 helps maintain the properalignment and/or orientation between retention members 1300 a, 1300 band trocar assembly 1270.

To disengage retention members 1300 a, 1300 b from each other, it isenvisioned that a user can use a tool (e.g., a screwdriver-type tool) topush extension portions 1310 a, 1310 b out of receptacles 1320 b, 1320a, respectively. It is also envisioned that retention members 1300 a,1300 b are configured to be tool-lessly disengaged from each other andfrom trocar assembly 1270. Disengagement of retention members 1300 a,1300 b allows trocar assembly 1270 to be removed from outer sleeve 1206of trocar assembly 1200 (e.g., for replacement or cleaning). It isenvisioned that cleaning can occur by inserting a cleaning device atleast partially within at least one opening 1210 a, 1210 b of outersleeve 1206 of extension assembly 1200, and directing a cleaning fluid(e.g., saline) proximally and/or distally to help flush out anycontaminants that may be present within outer sleeve 1206, for example.

Additionally, while extension assembly 1200 and trocar assembly 1270 areshown used in connection with adapter assembly 100, the presentdisclosure also envisions the use of extension assembly 1200 and/ortrocar assembly 1270 with a surgical instrument (e.g., a circularstapling instrument) without the use of an adapter assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 53-55, the present disclosure also includes astrain gauge 1500, a position sensor 1520, and a memory sensor 1540(e.g., an E-PROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) sensor). Withparticular reference to FIG. 55, it is envisioned that a flexible cable1600 extends between strain gauge 1500, position sensor 1520, memorysensor 1540 and a printed circuit board (not shown), and from theprinted circuit board to an electrical connector disposed at proximalportion 302 of adapter assembly 300, for example.

It is envisioned that strain gauge 1500 is used to detect an axial loadexerted on the tissue during clamping of tissue. Here, it is envisionedthat if this load is too great, or exceeds a predetermined value, theuser (or stapling device 10 itself) may abort the stapling operation ormay choose to use a different stapling device 10 or adapter assembly100, for example.

It is envisioned that position sensor 1520 is used to detect the axialposition of the fasteners during the stapling process (e.g., when thefasteners are being ejected from adapter assembly 100). It is furtherenvisioned that memory sensor 1540 is configured to recognize the sizeand/or type of staple cartridge that is engaged with adapter assembly100 that is engaged with stapling device 10 and to relay thisinformation to handle housing 12 of stapling device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 56-62, a seal assembly 1700 for use with surgicaldevice 10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200 of thepresent disclosure is shown. Seal assembly 1700 is configured tofacilitate thoroughly cleaning debris (e.g., surgical debris) fromsurgical device 10 following use, prior to use, and/or prior to reuse,for instance. More specifically, seal assembly 1700 is particularlyuseful when internal portions of surgical device 10 are flushed with afluid to help remove debris from within surgical device 10. Further,seal assembly 1700 is configured to minimize flow traps which may occurwhen a flushing introduction point is located distally of a seal or sealassembly, for instance. Additionally, while seal assembly 1700 is shownand described for use a particular type of surgical device 10, sealassembly 1700 is usable with various types of surgical instruments(e.g., reusable) where cleaning and/or sterilization may be desired.Further, when used with surgical device 10 of the present disclosure,seal assembly 1700 replaces proximal seal member 262, and first andsecond distal seal members 264, 266 (FIGS. 27 and 28).

Seal assembly 1700 is positioned within outer sleeve 206 and defines anaperture 1710 through which an actuation member, e.g., drive screw 276,is positioned. With particular reference to FIGS. 56 and 57, sealassembly 1700 is formed of a first portion 1700 a and a second portion1700 b, which are configured to engage each other (e.g., frictionallyheld together by an inner wall 206 c of outer sleeve 206). It isenvisioned that first portion 1700 a is a mirror image or a substantialmirror image of second portion 1700 b.

With continued reference to FIGS. 56, 57 and 62, seal assembly 1700includes an annular body portion 1720, an annular proximal seal 1740(e.g., a wiper seal), and an annular distal seal (e.g., a wiper seal)1760. As shown, proximal seal 1740 and distal seal 1760 extend radiallyoutward from body portion 1720, and define acute angles α1 and α2 (seeFIG. 62), respectively, with respect to body portion 1720. Angles α1 andα2 may be the same or different from each other, and may be from about15° to about 45°, for example. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 62,proximal seal 1740 and distal seal 1760 are configured to contact innerwall 206 c of outer sleeve 206 of surgical device 10.

Body portion 1720 of seal assembly 1700 includes a plurality of channels1722 formed therein. Channels 1722 are configured to allow innerflexible band assembly 210 (including first and second inner flexiblebands 212, 214) and outer flexible band assembly 230 (including firstand second flexible bands 232, 234) to pass therethrough (see FIG. 20).More particularly, and as shown in FIG. 57, each of first portion 1700 aof seal assembly 1700 and second portion 1700 b include openings 1722 a,1722 b (e.g., U-shaped), respectively. When first portion 1700 a andsecond portion 1700 b engage each other, openings 1722 a, 1722 b formchannels 1722 (FIG. 56). Accordingly, during assembly of surgical device10, for instance, seal assembly 1700 is positionable to surround innerflexible band assembly 210 and outer flexible band assembly 230 withoutthe need to thread inner flexible band assembly 210 and outer flexibleband assembly 230 through channels 1722. Additionally, while fourchannels 1722 are shown, seal assembly 1700 may include more or fewerthan four channels 1722 depending on the number of bands (or otherfeatures) extending therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 57 and 62, seal assembly 1700 also includes aplurality of channel seals 1724 associated with each channel 1722. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each channel 1722 includes threelongitudinally-spaced channel seals 1724 extending along the peripheryof channel 1722. Channel seals 1724 (e.g., rubber gaskets) areconfigured to provide a seal (e.g., a water-tight seal) between walls ofseal assembly 1700 defining channels 1722 and bands 212, 214, 232, 234extending therethrough. Seal assembly 1700 may include more or fewerthan three channel seals 1724 per channel 1722.

With reference to FIGS. 56 and 57, seal assembly 1700 includes aplurality of aperture seals 1712 associated with aperture 1710. In theillustrated embodiment, aperture 1710 includes threelongitudinally-spaced aperture seals 1712 extending along the peripheryof aperture 1710. Aperture seals 1712 (e.g., rubber gaskets) areconfigured to provide a seal (e.g., a water-tight seal) between walls ofseal assembly 1700 defining aperture 1710 and a component (orcomponents) of surgical device 10 extending therethrough. Seal assembly1700 may include more or fewer than three aperture seals 1712.

FIG. 57 also illustrates a plurality of portion seals 1750. A pluralityof first portion seals 1750 a is disposed on first portion 1700 a ofseal assembly 1700, and a plurality of second portion seals 1750 b isdisposed on second portion 1700 b of seal assembly 1700. When firstportion 1700 a of seal assembly 1700 is engaged with second portion 1700b of seal assembly 1700, first portion seals 1750 a engage or otherwisecontact (e.g., compress) corresponding second portion seals 1750 b,thereby creating a seal (e.g., a water-tight seal) therebetween. Asshown, a first set of portion seals 1750 is disposed on a proximal partof first portion 1700 a and second portion 1700 b, and a second set ofportion seals 1750 is disposed on a distal part of first portion 1700 aand second portion 1700 b.

The use of aperture seals 1712, channel seals 1724, and portion seals1750 helps prevent contaminants from entering portions of surgicaldevice 10 that are located proximal of seal assembly 1700.

Seal assembly 1700 is positioned within outer sleeve 206 of surgicaldevice 10 such that an opening or port 207 extending through outersleeve 206 is positioned adjacent an annular space 1715 between proximalseal 1740 and distal seal 1760 of seal assembly 1700, as shown in FIGS.58 and 59. Additionally, seal assembly 1700 is positioned such that eachband 212, 214, 232, 234 of surgical device 10 extends through onechannel 1722 of seal assembly 1700, as noted above.

To clean portions of surgical device (e.g., portions located distally ofseal assembly 1700), a fluid (e.g., water, saline, etc.; or a gas) isintroduced through port 207 of outer sleeve 206 into annular space 1715of seal assembly 1700. With particular reference to FIG. 62, as fluidfills annular space 1715, proximal seal 1740 prevents the fluid frommoving proximally therepast due to the angle αl proximal seal 1740 makeswith body portion 1720 of seal assembly 1700, and due to theinterference (or contact) proximal seal 1740 makes with inner wall 206 cof outer sleeve 206. Further, as the fluid pressure builds, theproximally-directed pressure causes proximal seal 1740 to be furtherforced against inner wall 206 c of outer sleeve 206, thereby increasingthe effectiveness of the seal.

With continued reference to FIG. 62, as fluid fills annular space 1715,the fluid pressure builds until distal seal 1760 is displaced away frominner wall 206 c of outer sleeve 206 in the general direction of arrow“G.” This displacement of distal seal 1760 away from inner wall 206 c ofouter sleeve 206 allows the pressurized fluid from annular space 1715 tosluice or flow between distal seal 1760 and inner wall 206 c of outersleeve 206, distally of seal assembly 1700, and through portions ofextension assembly 200 and adapter assembly 100, for instance, therebyflushing these portions of surgical device 10 to remove surgical debris,for example. Since the fluid is introduced proximally of a distal end ofseal assembly 1700, flow traps (which may otherwise occur between afluid port and a seal disposed proximally thereof) are eliminated orminimized.

The present disclosure also includes methods of cleaning a surgicalinstrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing seal assembly 1700. Forinstance, disclosed methods include inserting fluid through port 207 ofouter sleeve 206 or an outer tube of surgical device 10 and into annularspace 1715 between proximal seal 1740 and distal seal 1760, fillingannular space 1715 with the fluid, deflecting distal seal 1760 away fromits contact with outer sleeve 206 (in response to the pressure build-upof the fluid), and moving the fluid from annular space 1715 distallybeyond distal seal 1760 of seal assembly 1700. The method also includesremoving the fluid from a distal end of surgical device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 63-65, a valve 2200 for use with surgical device10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200 of the presentdisclosure is shown. Valve 2200 is configured to selectively engage afirst opening or port 207 v extending through outer sleeve 206 ofextension assembly 200 for selectively allowing air and/or fluid to passthrough port 207 v during cleaning, drying or venting of surgical device10, for example.

Valve 2200 includes a body portion 2210, an engagement portion 2220, abiasing element 2230, and a shoulder 2240. Valve 2200 is disposed in ahousing 211 within outer sleeve 206 and adjacent port 207 v. Biasingelement 2230 urges engagement portion 2220 toward and into contact withand/or through port 207 v. In the illustrated embodiment, biasingelement 2230 is a compression spring positioned about body portion 2210,and between engagement portion 2220 and shoulder 2240, and is configuredto urge engagement portion 2220 away from shoulder 2240. Shoulder 2240is positioned adjacent a wall 211 a of housing 211. Other types ofbiasing elements are also contemplated by the present disclosure. It isalso envisioned that engagement portion 2220 is movable into and out ofengagement with port 207 v without a biasing element, but with anothermechanical actuator, for instance.

More particularly, engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 is movablebetween an occluding position where engagement portion 2220 of valve2200 is engaged with port 207 v and an open position where at least aportion of engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 is spaced radiallyinward from port 207 v. Engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 is biasedradially outwardly in the occluding position. Either a mechanicaldevice, or a user's finger, for example, can move engagement portion2220 of valve 2200 radially inwardly from the occluding position to theopen position. In the occluding position, engagement portion 2220 ofvalve 2200 provides a fluid-tight seal with port 207 v, which preventsfluid from entering or exiting outer sleeve 206 through port 207 v. Whenvalve 2200 is in the open position, fluid and/or air are able to enterand exit outer sleeve 206 through the space between engagement portion2220 and port 207 v (e.g., walls defining port 207 v).

When valve 2200 is in its rest position, when no extraneous forces areacting on valve 2200, engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 is in theoccluding position such that engagement portion 2220 is in mechanicalengagement with and occluding (e.g., plugging or blocking) port 207 v ofouter sleeve 206.

When surgical device 10 is used to perform a surgical task, engagementportion 2220 of valve 220 is in its biased, occluding position. In thisposition, bodily fluid and gas is prevented or hindered from enteringsurgical device 10 through port 207 v.

When cleaning debris from surgical device 10 (e.g., after a surgicalprocedure) is desired, a user can introduce fluid through a port ofsurgical device 10. During such a cleaning process, engagement portion2220 of valve 2200 may either be in its occluding position or in itsopen position. It may be desirable to have engagement portion 2220 ofvalve 2200 in its occluding position during cleaning when a user desiresto insert cleaning fluid into outer sleeve 206 through a different port(other than port 207 v), for example. It may be desirable to haveengagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 in its open position duringcleaning when a user desires to insert cleaning fluid into outer sleeve206 through port 207 v. Additionally, it may be desirable to haveengagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 in its open position duringcleaning when port 207 v is used as an air valve to facilitate the flowof fluid or gas through surgical device 10 when fluid or gas enterssurgical device through a different port.

Additionally, when the cleaning of surgical device 10 is performed byintroducing fluid through port 207 v, engagement between a syringe (orthe fluid exiting the syringe) and engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200may cause engagement portion 2220 to move from its occluding position toits open position to allow fluid to enter surgical device 10 throughport 207 v.

Further, it may also be helpful to have engagement portion 2220 of valve2200 in the open position to help dry out surgical device 10 aftersurgical device 10 has been used and/or cleaned. That is, whenengagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 in the open position, air (e.g.,ambient air, forced heated air, forced cooled air, or forced ambientair) is able to freely enter and exit surgical device 10 through port207 v to assist drying internal components of surgical device 10 whichmay include residual moisture, for example.

Additionally, while valve 2200 and port 207 v are shown in a particularlocation on surgical device 10 (e.g., distally of seal assembly 1700;FIGS. 56-62), other locations of valve 2200 and port 207 v arecontemplated by the present disclosure. Further, surgical device 10 mayinclude more than one valve 2200, and more than one associated port 207v. For instance, multiple valves 2200 and ports 207 v can be used tocreate a particular path for fluid and air to flow to facilitatecleaning and drying surgical device 10.

In other embodiments, outer sleeve 206 of surgical device 10 is able tobe at least partially disassembled from the remainder of surgical device10 (e.g., via a threaded connection) to help facilitate drying outmoisture from within surgical device 10.

Additionally, while valve 2200 is shown and described for use with aparticular type of surgical device 10, valve 2200 is usable with varioustypes of surgical instruments (e.g., reusable) where cleaning and/orsterilization may be desired.

The present disclosure also includes methods of cleaning a surgicalinstrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing valve 2200. Forinstance, disclosed methods include inserting fluid through port 207 cor a different port, and moving engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200from its occluding position to its open position to allow air to entersurgical device 10 to facilitate drying internal components of surgicaldevice 10.

Further, with reference to FIG. 66, surgical device 10 includes a valve2200 a and an associated port 207 va disposed on a proximal portion ofsurgical device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, valve 2200 a islocated on handle housing 12. As discussed above with regard to valve2200, valve 2200 a is configured to selectively engage port 207 vaextending through handle housing 12 for selectively allowing air and/orfluid to pass through port 207 va during cleaning, drying or venting ofsurgical device 10, for example.

Valve 2200 a may be the same or similar to valve 2200 discussed above.For instance, an engagement portion 2220 a of valve 2200 a may bemovable into and out of engagement with port 207 va with a biasingelement, without a biasing element, or with another mechanical actuator,for example.

Additionally, while valve 2200 a and port 207 va are shown in aparticular location on handle housing 12, other locations of valve 2200a and port 207 va are contemplated by the present disclosure. Forinstance, valve 2200 a and port 207 va may be located farther proximallyor distally on handle housing 12 than the particular position shown inFIG. 66. Further, surgical device 10 may include more than one valve2200 a, and more than one associated port 207 va. For instance, multiplevalves 2200 a and ports 207 va can be included on handle housing 12 tocreate a particular path for fluid and air to flow to facilitatecleaning and drying surgical device 10.

Additionally, while valves 2200, 2200 a are shown and described for usewith a particular type of surgical device 10, valves 2200, 2200 a areusable with various types of surgical instruments (e.g., reusable) wherecleaning and/or sterilization may be desired.

The present disclosure also includes methods of cleaning a surgicalinstrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing valve 2200, 2200 a. Forinstance, disclosed methods include inserting fluid through port 207 cor a different port, and moving respective engagement portions 2220,2220 a of valves 2200, 2200 a from the occluding position to the openposition to allow air to enter surgical device 10 to facilitate dryinginternal components of surgical device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 67-70, various tools are disclosed for openingvalves 2200, 2200 a (see FIGS. 63-66) of surgical device 10. Asdiscussed above, valves 2200, 2200 a are configured to selectively allowair and/or fluid to pass through respective ports 207 v, 207 va duringcleaning, drying or venting of surgical device 10, for example.

With initial reference to FIGS. 67-69, a first tool or actuator 3000 foropening valve 2200 of surgical device 10 is shown. Actuator 3000includes a sleeve body 3010, and at least one post or finger 3020.Actuator 3000 is selectively engagable with surgical device 10 tosurround or at least partially surround outer sleeve 206 of surgicaldevice 10. Further, actuator 3000 is positionable adjacent valve 2200 ofsurgical device 10. Finger 3020 of actuator 3000 extends radially inwardfrom sleeve body 3010 and is configured to selectively contactengagement portion 2220 of valve 2200.

The contact between finger 3020 of actuator 3000 and engagement portion2220 of valve 2200 causes engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 todeflect radially inward against the bias of biasing element 2230,thereby moving engagement portion 2220 to its open position to allowwater and/or air to travel through port 207 v of surgical device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 68 and 68A, the shape of finger 3020 is different thanthe shape of engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 and port 207 v. Whileboth engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 and port 207 v have a circleor circular transverse cross-sectional profile, finger 3020 includes aplus sign-like or cruciform shape transverse cross-sectional profile.The difference in shapes or cross-sectional profiles between finger 3020of actuator 3000 and engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 (and/or port207 v) facilitates air/water to flow through spaces 3022 (FIG. 69)therebetween. While finger 3020 is shown having a particular shape, thepresent disclosure also contemplates fingers 3020 having other shapes ortransverse cross-sectional profiles, including but not limited to acircle.

Referring now to FIG. 70, a second tool or actuator 3100 for openingvalve 2200, 2200 a of surgical device 10 is shown. Actuator 3100 is inthe form of a rack 3110 (e.g., a drying rack) having at least one post3120 extending therefrom. Post 3120 of actuator 3100 is positionable orselectively engagable with valve 2200, 2200 a of surgical device 10 toselectively contact engagement portion 2220, 2220 a of respective valve2200, 2200 a.

The contact between post 3120 of actuator 3100 and engagement portion2220, 2220 a of valve 2200, 2200 a causes respective engagement portion2220, 2220 a to deflect radially inward against the bias of biasingelement 2230, thereby moving engagement portion 2220, 2220 a to its openposition to allow water and/or air to travel through port 207 v, 207 vaof surgical device 10.

As shown in FIG. 70, the shape of post 3120 of actuator 3100 iscylindrical. It is envisioned that post 3120 includes a shape other thancylindrical or transverse cross-sectional profile other than circular,such as a plus sign-like or cruciform shape or transversecross-sectional profile, as discussed above with regard to finger 3020of actuator 3000. It is also envisioned that the cross-section ofcylinder of post 3120 is smaller than the cross-section of engagementportion 2220, 2220 a of respective valve 2200, 2200 a to facilitateair/water to flow therebetween. Further, while rack 3110 is shown havinga single post 3120, the present disclosure also contemplates rack 3110having multiple posts 3120 to simultaneously engage multiple valves2200, 2200 a, for instance.

The present disclosure also includes methods of drying and/or venting asurgical instrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing actuator 3000and/or actuator 3100. For instance, disclosed methods include engagingactuator 3000 with surgical device 10 (e.g., after surgical device hasbeen cleaned with a fluid), positioning finger 3020 of actuator incontact with engagement portion 2220 of valve 2200, and movingengagement portion 2220 of valve 2200 to its open position to facilitatewater/air to travel through port 207 v of surgical device 10 to help dryinternal components of surgical device 10. Other disclosed methodsinclude positioning surgical device 10 onto rack 3110 of second actuator3100 (e.g., after surgical device has been cleaned with a fluid),positioning post 3120 of actuator 3100 in contact with engagementportion 2220, 2220 a of respective valve 2200, 2200 a, and movingengagement portion 2220, 2220 a to its open position to facilitatewater/air to travel through respective port 207 v, 207 va of surgicaldevice 10 to help dry internal components of surgical device 10.

Additionally, the present disclosure includes surgical kits includingsurgical device 10 having at least one valve 2200, 2200 a, and actuator3000 and/or actuator 3100.

Referring now to FIGS. 71-76, a valve 2300 for use with surgical device10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200 of the presentdisclosure is shown. Valve 2300 is positioned within surgical device 10and is configured to selectively engage a first opening or port 207 p(FIG. 72) extending through outer sleeve 206 of extension assembly 200for selectively allowing air, steam and/or fluid to pass through port207 p during cleaning, sanitizing, drying or venting of surgical device10, for example.

With particular reference to FIG. 73, valve 2300 includes a vent 2310, abiasing element 2320, and a thermostat 2330. Vent 2310 is slidablydisposed with respect to port 207 p of outer sleeve 206 between an openposition (e.g., distally, or to the left in FIG. 73) and an occludingposition (e.g., proximally, or to the right in FIG. 73) with respect toport 207 p. Biasing element 2320 is in contact with a lip 2312 of vent2310 and is configured to urge vent 2310 towards the occluding position(e.g., proximally in FIG. 73). While biasing element 2320 is illustratedas a compression spring, other types of biasing elements are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure. Thermostat 2330 is positionedwithin extension assembly 200 and adjacent (e.g., proximally of) vent2310. A piston 2332 of thermostat 2330 is configured to selectively urgevent 2310 towards the open position (e.g., distally) against the bias ofbiasing element 2320.

More particularly, and with specific reference to FIG. 74, vent 2310includes a ramped surface 2313 towards its distal end which isconfigured to facilitate a portion of vent 2310 being displaced under(e.g., radially within) outer sleeve 206. Additionally, as shown in FIG.74, vent 2310 includes a plurality of legs 2314 (e.g., spring-like legs)which are configured to allow at least a portion (e.g., a distalportion) of vent 2310 to flex with respect to a different portion (e.g.,a proximal portion) of vent 2310 to further facilitate a portion of vent2310 being displaced under outer sleeve 206.

With particular reference to FIGS. 75 and 76, further details ofthermostat 2330 are shown. Thermostat 2330 includes piston 2332, ahousing 2334, a diaphragm 2336, and a washer 2338. Piston 2332 ofthermostat 2330 is configured to move between an initial (e.g.,proximal) position and an extended (e.g., distal) position. Moreparticularly, when thermostat 2330 is exposed to a particular minimumtemperature (e.g., about 130° C.), piston 2332 (e.g., athermally-activated piston) automatically moves from its initialposition to its extended position. When moving to its extended position,piston 2332 moves vent 2310 (via contact with lip 2312 thereof) from itsoccluding position to its open position. Further, when the temperatureof thermostat 2330 falls below the minimum temperature, piston 2332automatically moves from its extended position to its initial position,thereby allowing biasing element 2320 to move vent 2310 from its openposition to its occluding position.

In the occluding position, vent 2310 provides a fluid-tight seal withport 207 p, which prevents fluid, steam, air or gas from entering orexiting outer sleeve 206 through port 207 p. When vent 2310 is in theopen position, fluid, steam, air and/or gas are able to enter and exitouter sleeve 206 through the space between vent 2310 and port 207 p(e.g., walls defining port 207 p).

When surgical device 10 is used to perform a surgical task, vent 2310 isin its biased, occluding position. In this position, bodily fluid andgas are prevented or hindered from entering or exiting surgical device10 through port 207 p.

When cleaning debris from surgical device 10 (e.g., after a surgicalprocedure) is desired, a user can introduce fluid or steam through aport of surgical device 10. Prior to such a cleaning process, vent 2310is in its occluding position to help prevent fluids or gas from enteringsurgical device 10 through port 207 p. During the cleaning and/orsterilization process, when the temperature (e.g., of the steam)adjacent thermostat 2330 reaches or exceeds the pre-determined minimumtemperature (e.g., about 130° C.), piston 2332 of thermostat 2330automatically moves from its initial position to its extended position,which thereby moves vent 2310 to its open position. In its openposition, vent 2310 facilitates the drying and venting of surgicaldevice 10 by creating a path (e.g., an additional path) for the air,steam and/or fluid to exit surgical device 10. Further, when thetemperature adjacent thermostat 2330 inside surgical device 10 fallsbelow the pre-determined minimum temperature (e.g., about 130° C.; or adifferent pre-determined temperature), piston 2332 of thermostat 2330automatically moves from its extended position to its initial position,thereby allowing biasing element 2320 to move vent 2310 back to itsoccluded position.

Additionally, while valve 2300 and port 207 p are shown in a particularlocation on surgical device 10 (e.g., proximally of seal assembly 1700;FIG. 72), other locations of valve 2300 and port 207 p are contemplatedby the present disclosure. Further, surgical device 10 may include morethan one valve 2300, and more than one associated port 207 p. Forinstance, multiple valves 2300 and ports 207 p can be used to create aparticular path for fluid and air to flow to facilitate cleaning,venting and drying surgical device 10. Additionally, while port 207 p isdepicted as being rectangular in shape, port 207 p may be another typeof regular or irregular shape.

Additionally, while valve 2300 is shown and described for use with aparticular type of surgical device 10, valve 2300 is usable with varioustypes of surgical instruments (e.g., reusable) where cleaning and/orsterilization may be desired.

The present disclosure also includes methods of cleaning a surgicalinstrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing valve 2300. Forinstance, disclosed methods include introducing fluid or steam withinsurgical device 10 through a port, and automatically moving vent 2310 ofvalve 2300 from its occluding position to its open position, based onthe temperature within surgical device 10, to allow fluid and gas toenter and exit surgical device 10 to facilitate venting and dryinginternal components of surgical device 10. Methods also includeautomatically moving vent 2310 of valve 2300 from its open position toits occluding position in response to a the temperature adjacentthermostat 2330 falling below a pre-determined value.

Referring now to FIGS. 77-79, a valve 2400 for use with surgical device10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200 of the presentdisclosure is shown. Valve 2400 is positioned within surgical device 10and is configured to selectively engage a first opening or port 207 pa(FIG. 79) extending through outer sleeve 206 of extension assembly 200for selectively allowing air, steam and/or fluid to pass through port207 pa during cleaning, sanitizing, drying or venting of surgical device10, for example.

At least some portions of valve 2400 are made from a bimetal material,and valve 2400 includes several folded or bent portions, as detailedherein. With particular reference to FIG. 78, valve 2400 includes afirst leg 2410, a second leg 2420, a third leg 2430, a fourth leg 2440,and an occluding portion 2450. A first end 2422 of second leg 2420extends from a first end 2412 of first leg 2410 such that first leg 2410is pivotal relative to second leg 2420. A first end 2432 of third leg2430 extends (e.g., perpendicularly) adjacent a second end 2414 of firstleg 2410. A first end 2442 of fourth leg 2440 extends (e.g., at an acuteangle) from a second end 2434 of third leg 2430. Occluding portion 2450,which may be made from rubber or a similar material which facilitatessealing, extends outward from first leg 2410 (e.g., adjacent second end2414 thereof) and is configured to selectively engage port 207 pa (FIG.79) in a sealing arrangement.

The bimetal material included on valve 2400 is configured to bend orotherwise change shape when subjected to a predetermined temperature(e.g., about 130° C.), such that portions of valve 2400 are movablebetween an open position and an occluding position with respect to port207 pa. In particular, when surgical device 10 is heated and valve 2400is subjected to the predetermined temperature, first leg 2410 of valve2400 is configured to move toward second leg 2420 of valve 2400 (e.g.,from the occluding position to the open position). More particularly,due to the arrangement of first leg 2410 and second leg 2420, second end2414 of first leg 2410 of valve 2400 is configured to move away fromport 207 pa and toward a second end 2424 of second leg 2420 of valve2400. The movement of first leg 2410 away from port 207 pa also movesoccluding portion 2450 of valve 2400 away from and out of engagementwith port 207 pa to its open position.

In the open position, fluid, steam, air and/or gas are able to enter andexit outer sleeve 206 through the space between occluding portion 2450of valve 2400 and port 207 pa (e.g., walls defining port 207 pa). In theoccluding position, occluding portion 2450 of valve 2400 provides afluid-tight seal with port 207 pa, which prevents fluid, steam, air orgas from entering or exiting outer sleeve 206 through port 207 pa.

When surgical device 10 is used to perform a surgical task, occludingportion 2450 of valve 2400 is in its occluding position with respect toport 207 pa. In this position, bodily fluid and gas are prevented orhindered from entering surgical device 10 through port 207 pa.

When cleaning debris from surgical device 10 (e.g., after a surgicalprocedure) is desired, a user can introduce fluid or steam through aport of surgical device 10. Prior to such a cleaning process, occludingportion 2450 of valve 2400 is in its occluding position to help preventfluid or gas from entering surgical device 10 through port 207 pa.During the cleaning and/or sterilization process, when the temperature(e.g., of the steam) adjacent valve 2400 reaches or exceeds thepre-determined minimum temperature (e.g., about 130° C.), first leg 2410of valve 2400 moves (e.g., bends or pivots) toward second leg 2430 ofvalve 2400 due to the characteristics of the bimetal material from whichportions of valve 2400 are made. As noted above, the movement of firstleg 2410 toward second leg 2420 also moves occluding portion 2450 ofvalve 2400 from its occluding position to its open position with respectto port 207 pa, thereby facilitating drying and venting of surgicaldevice 10 by creating a path (e.g., an additional path) for the air,steam and fluid to exit surgical device 10.

When the cleaning or sanitizing process is complete, and when thetemperature within surgical device 10 adjacent valve 2400 falls belowthe pre-determined minimum temperature, the bimetal characteristics ofvalve 2400 cause valve 2400 to retain its shape (e.g., in the openposition). That is, occluding portion 2450 of valve 2400 remains in theopen position with respect to port 207 pa while surgical device 10 iscooling and after it has cooled. The open port 207 pa allows additionaldrying and venting to occur even after the temperature within surgicaldevice 10 has fallen below the pre-determined minimum temperature.

With particular reference to FIG. 79, to move occluding portion 2450 ofvalve 2400 to its occluding position (e.g., when reusing surgical device10), a user actuates a handle or other actuator to rotate a shaft 2460of surgical device 10 relative to valve 2400. The rotation of shaft 2460causes a latch 2462 of shaft 2460 to engage fourth leg 2440 of valve2400. The engagement between latch 2462 of shaft 2460 and fourth leg2440 of valve 2400 causes third leg 2430 of valve 2400 to flex or bendin the general direction of arrow “H”, which causes first leg 2410 ofvalve 2400 to move away from second leg 2420 of valve 2400, such thatoccluding portion 2450 moves in the general direction of arrow “I” intoits occluding position.

Additionally, while valve 2400 and port 207 pa are shown in a particularlocation on surgical device 10 (e.g., proximally of seal assembly 1700;FIG. 77), other locations of valve 2400 and port 207 pa are contemplatedby the present disclosure. Further, surgical device 10 may include morethan one valve 2400, and more than one associated port 207 pa. Forinstance, multiple valves 2400 and ports 207 pa can be used to create aparticular path for fluid and air to flow to facilitate cleaning,venting and drying surgical device 10.

Additionally, while valve 2400 is shown and described for use with aparticular type of surgical device 10, valve 2400 is usable with varioustypes of surgical instruments (e.g., reusable) where cleaning and/orsterilization may be desired.

The present disclosure also includes methods of cleaning a surgicalinstrument (e.g., surgical device 10) utilizing valve 2400. Forinstance, disclosed methods include inserting fluid or steam throughport 207 pa or a different port, and automatically moving occludingportion 2450 valve 2400 from its occluding position to its openposition, based on the temperature and the bimetal properties ofportions of valve 2400, to allow fluid and gas to enter and exitsurgical device 10 to facilitate drying internal components of surgicaldevice 10. Methods also include maintaining occluding portion 2450 ofvalve 2400 in its open position after the temperature falls below apre-determined temperature. Additionally, methods include actuating aportion of surgical device 10 to manually move occluding portion 2450 ofvalve 2400 to its occluding position.

Referring now to FIGS. 80-84, a wick 2500 for use with surgical device10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200 of the presentdisclosure is shown. Wick 2500 is positioned within surgical device 10and is configured to absorb residual moisture from within portions ofsurgical device 10, adapter assembly 100, and/or extension assembly 200and allow the moisture to travel to drier portions (or portions easierto dry) thereof during the drying, cleaning or sanitizing process tohelp improve moisture removal.

Wick 2500 is made from synthetic or natural fibers (e.g. a fibrousmaterial), which may readily absorb, transmit, and desorb liquid (e.g.,water). For instance, wick 2500 may be a cloth, fiber sheet, or threadof suitable thickness, or a combination of materials. It is contemplatedthat wick 2500 may be impregnated with dessicating compounds, materialsor the like (e.g., activated alumina, aerogel, benzophenone, bentoniteclay, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, cobalt(II)chloride, copper(II) sulfate, lithium chloride, lithium bromide,magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate, molecular sieve, potassiumcarbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel, sodium, sodium chlorate,sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, sucrose and/orsulfuric acid).

Wick 2500 is positioned such that a first part of wick 2500 (e.g., aproximal portion 2510) is within a first portion of surgical device(e.g., a proximal portion of extension assembly 200), and a second partof same wick 2500 (e.g., a distal portion 2520) is within a secondportion of surgical device (e.g., a distal portion of extension assembly200). Wick is configured to transfer the moisture from the wetterportion of wick 2500 (e.g., proximal portion 2510) to the dryer portionof wick 2500 (e.g., distal portion 2520). Further, wick 2500 increasessurface area of the liquid within extension assembly 200 (for instance),thereby decreasing drying time.

With particular reference to FIGS. 80-82, wick 2500 is in the shape of acylindrical ring or sleeve, and is positioned within outer sleeve 206 ofextension assembly 200. Here, when liquid is present within extensionassembly 200 (e.g. during cleaning or sanitizing), a portion (e.g.,proximal portion 2510) of wick 2500 is configured to absorb at leastsome of the liquid or moisture from within outer sleeve 206 of extensionassembly 200 and transfer the liquid or moisture to another portion(e.g., distal portion 2520) of wick 2500. It is envisioned that distalportion 2520 of wick 2500 is in fluid communication with the outside ofsurgical device 10 (e.g., ambient air). Further, wick 2500 is configuredto transfer liquid or moisture from a relatively wet portion of wick2500 to a relatively dry portion of wick 2500, regardless of itslocation within extension assembly 200. Next, the liquid or moistureabsorbed by wick 2500 desorbs or evaporates from wick 2500 into theambient air and/or the air within surgical device 10.

Accordingly, wick 2500 helps remove liquid or moisture that enteredsurgical device 10 during use, cleaning and/or sanitization. Wick 2500is usable with other types of valves, vents and other moisture controlfeatures, as discussed herein, or wick 2500 is usable without othertypes moisture control features. Further, since the presence of wick2500 allows liquid or moisture to enter surgical device 10 withoutimpacting its sanitization effectiveness, for instance, wick 2500reduces the need for or tolerance of water-tight seals and unions, whichthereby facilitates and/or reduces cost of manufacturing surgical device10 or components thereof.

Additionally, while surgical device 10 is shown including a single wick2500 in FIGS. 80-82, surgical device 10 may include more than one wick2500 therein. Further, wick 2500 is shown including a cylindrical shape(including a circle cross-section), however wick 2500 may be any regularor irregular shape and may be positioned at any suitable location(s)within surgical device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 83, an additional embodiment of a wick 2500 a isshown. Wick 2500 a is similar to wick 2500 of FIGS. 80-82, but alsosurrounds, partially surrounds and/or passes between several internalcomponents of extension assembly 200. In particular, wick 2500 asurrounds longitudinal passage 255 (which surrounds drive shaft 208) andflexible bands 212, 214, 232, 234. While FIG. 83 indicates a single wick2500 a that surrounds various components, the present disclosure alsoincludes wick 2500 a having several un-connected segments.

With reference to FIG. 84, extension assembly 200 is shown includesseveral wicks 2500 b extending therethrough. Here, a plurality of wicks2500 b is strategically placed within extension assembly 200 to help dryout various portions thereof. While wicks 2500 b are shown in particularlocations within extension assembly 200, wicks 2500 b may be included inother locations within surgical device 10. It is envisioned that eachwick of the several wicks 2500 b has the same length or a differentlength as one another. It is further envisioned that the several wicks2500 b are disposed within channels (e.g., recessed channels) of variouscomponents of extension assembly 200, for example.

The present disclosure also includes methods of drying and/or ventinginternal components of a surgical instrument (e.g., surgical device 10)utilizing wick 2500, 2500 a, 2500 b. For instance, disclosed methodsinclude absorbing moisture or liquid from within extension assembly 200using wick 2500, transferring the moisture or liquid from a relativelywet portion of wick 2500 to a relatively dry portion of wick 2500, anddesorbing the moisture or liquid from wick 2500 to ambient air and/orair within surgical device 10.

Surgical devices such as those described herein may also be configuredto work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred toas “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assistthe surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) ofsurgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys,electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purposeand may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeonduring the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems mayinclude remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgicalsystems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulatingsurgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectivelyconfigurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consolesthat are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location.In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patientfor surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or moreof the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group ofsurgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgicalsystem. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may performmultiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remoteconsole which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to thepatient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pairof master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by thesurgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of anytype of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes,scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of theembodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may bescaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that isdifferent, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by theoperating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may beadjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of theworking ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback tothe surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g.,tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating,pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissueimpedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeonwith enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions.The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators fordelicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing thesurgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

Referring to FIG. 85, a medical work station is shown generally as workstation 1000 and generally may include a plurality of robot arms 1002,1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled withcontrol device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensionalimages; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a person(not shown), for example a surgeon, may be able to telemanipulate robotarms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode.

Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members,which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011,to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” supportingan end effector 1100, in accordance with any one of several embodimentsdisclosed herein, as will be described in greater detail below.

Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) thatare connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., acomputer) may be set up to activate the drives, in particular by meansof a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, theirattaching devices 1009, 1011 and thus the surgical tool (including endeffector 1100) execute a desired movement according to a movementdefined by means of manual input devices 1007, 1008. Control device 1004may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of robotarms 1002, 1003 and/or of the drives.

Medical work station 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasivemanner by means of end effector 1100. Medical work station 1000 may alsoinclude more than two robot arms 1002, 1003, the additional robot armslikewise being connected to control device 1004 and beingtelemanipulatable by means of operating console 1005. A medicalinstrument or surgical tool (including an end effector 1100) may also beattached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station 1000 mayinclude a database 1014, in particular coupled to with control device1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data frompatient/living being 1013 and/or anatomical atlases.

Reference is made herein to U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,023 to Neff et al.,entitled “Medical Workstation,” the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of theconstruction and operation of an exemplary robotic surgical system.

Any of the components described herein may be fabricated from eithermetals, plastics, resins, composites or the like taking intoconsideration strength, durability, wearability, weight, resistance tocorrosion, ease of manufacturing, cost of manufacturing, and the like.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure isintended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances.The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figuresare presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure.Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantiallydifferent from those described above and/or in the appended claims arealso intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly;an elongated portion configured to extend distally from the handleassembly and including an outer sleeve; an end effector configured tooperatively engage a distal portion of the elongated portion; a driveshaft extending at least partially through the elongated portion andconfigured to mechanically engage the handle assembly and the endeffector; and a wick disposed within the outer sleeve and made from afibrous material, the wick configured to transfer moisture from a firstportion of the wick to a second portion of the wick.
 2. The surgicaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the wick is in the shape of acylindrical sleeve.
 3. The surgical device according to claim 1, whereinan entirety of the wick is disposed within the outer sleeve.
 4. Thesurgical device according to claim 1, wherein a first portion of thewick is cylindrical, and a second portion of the wick surrounds alongitudinal passage which surrounds the drive shaft.
 5. The surgicaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the wick is configured to transfermoisture from a proximal portion of the wick to a distal portion of thewick.
 6. The surgical device according to claim 5, wherein the distalportion of the wick is in fluid communication with ambient air outsideof the elongated portion.
 7. The surgical device according to claim 1,wherein the wick is a fibrous sheet of material.
 8. The surgical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the wick is impregnated with a dessicatingcompound.
 9. The surgical device according to claim 8, wherein thedessicating compound includes at least one of activated alumina,aerogel, benzophenone, bentonite clay, calcium chloride, calcium oxide,calcium sulfate, cobalt(II) chloride, copper(II) sulfate, lithiumchloride, lithium bromide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate,molecular sieve, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel,sodium, sodium chlorate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodiumsulfate, sucrose or sulfuric acid.
 10. A method of cleaning a surgicaldevice, comprising: inserting fluid into the surgical device; absorbingthe fluid with a first portion of a fibrous wick disposed within thesurgical device; transferring the fluid from the first portion of thefibrous wick to a second portion of the fibrous wick; and desorbing thefluid from the fibrous wick into ambient air.
 11. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein transferring the fluid from the first portion ofthe fibrous wick to the second portion of the fibrous wick includingmoving the fluid distally.
 12. The method according to claim 10, whereinthe fibrous wick is a cylindrical sleeve.
 13. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the wick is impregnated with a dessicating compound.14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the dessicating compoundincludes at least one of activated alumina, aerogel, benzophenone,bentonite clay, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate,cobalt(II) chloride, copper(II) sulfate, lithium chloride, lithiumbromide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate, molecular sieve,potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel, sodium, sodiumchlorate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, sucrose orsulfuric acid.